"The
announcement by TEN will increase pressure on Parliament to quickly approve the
government's media ownership changes as a way to help save jobs at TEN," Mr
Holland said.

"It
seems likely we will see further consolidation in Australian media ownership.

"If
the legislation passes, a merger between TEN and another media company would
then trigger new rules to increase the amount of local content required on
television.

"The
legislation proposes that local content requirements be increased from 720
minutes to 900 minutes per week in many areas, and additional small markets
have a new requirement of at least 360 minutes per week."

Mr
Holland said it remains to be seen what the outcome will be for TEN's regional
broadcasting partners such as the WIN Network.

"Free
TV Australia has called for the media reforms to be passed urgently, so unfortunately
I think it's a wait-and-see-what-happens situation," he said.

"We'll see pressure for the law changes and then
consolidation in ownership, as opposed to just more journalists out of work. Ultimately,
we may see that, but until there's a buyer, it's hard to say."